Passing Le Mans...it would be rude not to drop in...
Discussion
After a bit of a tour around France and a brilliant night out in Nantes (highly recommended) we unfortunately had to head north and back home. As we were travelling from Nantes to Calais (and the world’s worst hotel incidentally as it turns out) I thought it would be rude not to call into Le Mans on the way past and see what it is like when it is not the race weekend however time was of the essence so we couldn’t stay for long. I have only been to Le Mans once when the race hasn’t been on however I was about 10 so can’t really remember much apart from being driven down the Mulsanne straight by my father and noticing the rumble strips etc along with him telling us about the event – that I had seen for the first time 2 years previously on TV.
So as we came off the Autoroute (south of Le Mans) and on to the road which becomes the dual carriage that passes the circuit we peeled off the dual carriageway at the junction that takes you towards the main entrance of the great circuit. As we approached it struck me that it felt slightly wrong somehow. It was very quiet with no atmosphere unlike the magical weekend in June when it is the complete opposite – almost felt like I shouldn’t be there, it was quite clearly the same place that I had visited just over 3 months previously however it felt like a total different place other than the familiar surroundings.
We took the right turn once we reached the main entrance and drove down the road that is at the backs onto the grandstands that are opposite the pits. Unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures at this point as I was too busy taking in my surroundings and how noticing different everything seemed (gawping in other words). As we headed further down the road we passed urine infested ditches and on the other side of the road the Bleu Sud campsite which was just a field rather than a campsite full of LMer’s enjoying their annual pilgrimage – this as with the main entrance was strange and it was completely deserted bar the passing traffic.
We then headed further down the road to the roundabout that is usually blocked off as it is the start of the circuit that is made up of public roads (we circumnavigated the circuit anticlockwise). We crossed the roundabout and headed up to the start of the Porsche Curves. This is when I retrived the camera and took some (ropey) shots, now I must get the obligatory “sorry for the picture quality as it was taken on my iphone” out of the way so that you don’t have any excuses for whinging at the quality of the pictures taken, however you can complain about the muppet that took them, for taking rubbish pictures.
So as we joined the road the makes up the circuit I was quite surprised that there weren’t more substantial looking barriers to separate the track section from the road, just the temporary affairs that spring up shortly after the race finishes.
Anyway after driving slowly past the Porsche Curves we headed up the road towards the legendary Arnage corner
Unfortunately I didn’t catch a shot of the Arnage corner as it is actually a cross road as many of you will know having driven it and as there was traffic there I didn’t think that it would make a particularly photogenic shot.
So onwards to the Indianapolis corner, I didn’t get any pictures on the straight between Arnage and Indianapolis as I was too busy being nosey to push the button. So we parked up on the outside of the corner leading into Indianapolis where the painted tarmac and extensive gravel traps are and I took these snaps. Apologies for the Jag being in the way but we needed proof that it finally made it to Le Mans after we unfortunately weren’t able to bring it to this year’s 24 heures du mans.
After these were taken we carried on our way around the circuit – unfortunately as before I was too busy looking gormlous and looking at the surroundings to take pictures until we reached the Mulsanne corner at the end of the Les Hunaudieres/Mulsanne straight. This along with the corner at Porsche Curves had a surprisingly temporary looking fence at both ends to stop people taking a short instead of using the roundabout.
So on to the Les Hunaudieres/Mulsanne straight.
This is the exit to the Michelin chicane (the second Chicane that the drivers encounter on the long straight)
Now back onto the straight heading up to the first chicane
This is one of the few diversions off the straight onto the roundabouts. (Don’t you just love how a motor racing circuit takes precedence over a road layout take a look on Google maps if you haven’t already done so for a birds eye view.)
Now on to the Motorola Chicane (first chicane of the straight)
Then on the final drive to Tetre Rouge corner.
Then onto the road section that ended our drive of the Circuit De La Sarthe.
I hope this hasn’t been as tedious to read as I imagine it will have been. Also please feel to pick up on any mistakes I have made regarding corner names etc – I found the names for the chicanes on Google however it threw up several names for these so I just plucked two and dropped them in. As this was a flying visit we didn’t get time to have a drive around and look at the various points of interest and the campsites to see how different they were, and whether or the ‘Biere du Homme’ crew’s beer bottles were still wedged in the fencing.
As others will confirm it is worth visiting the place whilst the race isn’t on just so that you can appreciate the surrounding area which seems to take a back seat whilst the event is on.
On a lighter note, aren’t the tunnels on the way back fabulous!
I hope this hasn’t been too dull, catch you guys next year!
So as we came off the Autoroute (south of Le Mans) and on to the road which becomes the dual carriage that passes the circuit we peeled off the dual carriageway at the junction that takes you towards the main entrance of the great circuit. As we approached it struck me that it felt slightly wrong somehow. It was very quiet with no atmosphere unlike the magical weekend in June when it is the complete opposite – almost felt like I shouldn’t be there, it was quite clearly the same place that I had visited just over 3 months previously however it felt like a total different place other than the familiar surroundings.
We took the right turn once we reached the main entrance and drove down the road that is at the backs onto the grandstands that are opposite the pits. Unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures at this point as I was too busy taking in my surroundings and how noticing different everything seemed (gawping in other words). As we headed further down the road we passed urine infested ditches and on the other side of the road the Bleu Sud campsite which was just a field rather than a campsite full of LMer’s enjoying their annual pilgrimage – this as with the main entrance was strange and it was completely deserted bar the passing traffic.
We then headed further down the road to the roundabout that is usually blocked off as it is the start of the circuit that is made up of public roads (we circumnavigated the circuit anticlockwise). We crossed the roundabout and headed up to the start of the Porsche Curves. This is when I retrived the camera and took some (ropey) shots, now I must get the obligatory “sorry for the picture quality as it was taken on my iphone” out of the way so that you don’t have any excuses for whinging at the quality of the pictures taken, however you can complain about the muppet that took them, for taking rubbish pictures.
So as we joined the road the makes up the circuit I was quite surprised that there weren’t more substantial looking barriers to separate the track section from the road, just the temporary affairs that spring up shortly after the race finishes.
Anyway after driving slowly past the Porsche Curves we headed up the road towards the legendary Arnage corner
Unfortunately I didn’t catch a shot of the Arnage corner as it is actually a cross road as many of you will know having driven it and as there was traffic there I didn’t think that it would make a particularly photogenic shot.
So onwards to the Indianapolis corner, I didn’t get any pictures on the straight between Arnage and Indianapolis as I was too busy being nosey to push the button. So we parked up on the outside of the corner leading into Indianapolis where the painted tarmac and extensive gravel traps are and I took these snaps. Apologies for the Jag being in the way but we needed proof that it finally made it to Le Mans after we unfortunately weren’t able to bring it to this year’s 24 heures du mans.
After these were taken we carried on our way around the circuit – unfortunately as before I was too busy looking gormlous and looking at the surroundings to take pictures until we reached the Mulsanne corner at the end of the Les Hunaudieres/Mulsanne straight. This along with the corner at Porsche Curves had a surprisingly temporary looking fence at both ends to stop people taking a short instead of using the roundabout.
So on to the Les Hunaudieres/Mulsanne straight.
This is the exit to the Michelin chicane (the second Chicane that the drivers encounter on the long straight)
Now back onto the straight heading up to the first chicane
This is one of the few diversions off the straight onto the roundabouts. (Don’t you just love how a motor racing circuit takes precedence over a road layout take a look on Google maps if you haven’t already done so for a birds eye view.)
Now on to the Motorola Chicane (first chicane of the straight)
Then on the final drive to Tetre Rouge corner.
Then onto the road section that ended our drive of the Circuit De La Sarthe.
I hope this hasn’t been as tedious to read as I imagine it will have been. Also please feel to pick up on any mistakes I have made regarding corner names etc – I found the names for the chicanes on Google however it threw up several names for these so I just plucked two and dropped them in. As this was a flying visit we didn’t get time to have a drive around and look at the various points of interest and the campsites to see how different they were, and whether or the ‘Biere du Homme’ crew’s beer bottles were still wedged in the fencing.
As others will confirm it is worth visiting the place whilst the race isn’t on just so that you can appreciate the surrounding area which seems to take a back seat whilst the event is on.
On a lighter note, aren’t the tunnels on the way back fabulous!
I hope this hasn’t been too dull, catch you guys next year!
It always amazes me how quickly things return to normal after the race itself. We usually stay in the area for an extra couple of days and even by lunchtime Monday the roads are open, the bunting's coming down and most of the teams, sponsors and fans are half way home.
Much prefer being there for the build up!
Much prefer being there for the build up!
I have just returned from a short holiday in France. I too went to check that the circuit was still there. Was surprised to see that the shower block on the Team Langoustine campsite was still there.
I also parked the car near Houx Annexe roundabout, caught the tram into town and had lunch in the city centre.
I also parked the car near Houx Annexe roundabout, caught the tram into town and had lunch in the city centre.
I managed to convince the wife and 2 daughters that Le Mans would be a good day excursion from out holiday in the Loire this August.
I drove them from Tertre Rouge around the circuit (in the conventional direction) at much more sensible speeds than I used in June on mad Friday.
Somehow I even convinced them that the museum was worth visiting (and they agreed afterwards).
Also spotted TL site complete with showers, I bet some of my empties are still there.
Grandstand area was the surreal bit, seemed odd standing so near track with no crowds or fast cars.
They were surfacing the Mulsanne while I was there and they looked like the most fastidious road workers ever.
All this self indulgence resulted in the obligatory shopping trip into the city which was almost as enjoyable. Le Mans is a fabulous place and I wish I could get there next year, sadly, I have rashly promised SWMBO that I will do a Le Man's at home next year. Just hope the neighbours don't mind the noise and mess!
I drove them from Tertre Rouge around the circuit (in the conventional direction) at much more sensible speeds than I used in June on mad Friday.
Somehow I even convinced them that the museum was worth visiting (and they agreed afterwards).
Also spotted TL site complete with showers, I bet some of my empties are still there.
Grandstand area was the surreal bit, seemed odd standing so near track with no crowds or fast cars.
They were surfacing the Mulsanne while I was there and they looked like the most fastidious road workers ever.
All this self indulgence resulted in the obligatory shopping trip into the city which was almost as enjoyable. Le Mans is a fabulous place and I wish I could get there next year, sadly, I have rashly promised SWMBO that I will do a Le Man's at home next year. Just hope the neighbours don't mind the noise and mess!
years ago I went to spa on a holiday and drove round the circuit (as you could in those days) - that was indeed a strange experience so I can imagine how these daytrippers felt---- My wife had never driven a car herself and I taught her how the clutch and gears work on the tarmac bit on the side of Les Combes... which always gives me a funny feeling when I am there in person (for the ILMC) or watch the GP on TV...
Great post+1
I did a stop off in Le Mans during a family holiday this year. Coming up from Tours, i followed the D338 - stuck behind lorries most of the way, it made us late for the ferry. Did drive up the new surfaced mulsanne, i liked the massive new audi dealership and the finished stadium also looked good. We diddnt manage to get to the museum, but we did stop at Maccy'ds just off the mulsanne!. As the op said, Le mans is not magical when its not the week, but it was still worth doing. no photos as I was driving (theres no way I was letting the wife drive to D338!
I did a stop off in Le Mans during a family holiday this year. Coming up from Tours, i followed the D338 - stuck behind lorries most of the way, it made us late for the ferry. Did drive up the new surfaced mulsanne, i liked the massive new audi dealership and the finished stadium also looked good. We diddnt manage to get to the museum, but we did stop at Maccy'ds just off the mulsanne!. As the op said, Le mans is not magical when its not the week, but it was still worth doing. no photos as I was driving (theres no way I was letting the wife drive to D338!
Thanks for all the great responses guys, I didn't think that there would be many if any at all as this section of the forum seems rather quiet at this time of year.
Hopefully if I am passing again outside of the race weekend I will be able to spend a bit more time there, visit the museum, explore a bit more of the surrounding area and delve into to the city itself and have a look around.
Hopefully if I am passing again outside of the race weekend I will be able to spend a bit more time there, visit the museum, explore a bit more of the surrounding area and delve into to the city itself and have a look around.
PM me if you are coming through any time and we'll have a drink. I live five minutes from Mulsanne. A good post and yes, it can be quiet but if you knew what some of the weekends are like then you'd appreciate the calm. I hear cars and bikes turning on the Bugatti most days when the wind is right, but nothing is worse than the 24 hour bike weekend. Not my kind of people at all, without wishing to appear rude or snobbish. The chicanes used to have but plastic bollards but the 
s moved them and used it for parking their caravans, so now we have more substantial bollards. The wire netting at Mulsanne and the barriers at Porsche Curves are always like that and no one takes a blind bit of notice - to us it is just the usual road to wherever we are going.
s moved them and used it for parking their caravans, so now we have more substantial bollards. The wire netting at Mulsanne and the barriers at Porsche Curves are always like that and no one takes a blind bit of notice - to us it is just the usual road to wherever we are going.
lowdrag said:
PM me if you are coming through any time and we'll have a drink. I live five minutes from Mulsanne. A good post and yes, it can be quiet but if you knew what some of the weekends are like then you'd appreciate the calm. I hear cars and bikes turning on the Bugatti most days when the wind is right, but nothing is worse than the 24 hour bike weekend. Not my kind of people at all, without wishing to appear rude or snobbish. The chicanes used to have but plastic bollards but the s moved them and used it for parking their caravans, so now we have more substantial bollards. The wire netting at Mulsanne and the barriers at Porsche Curves are always like that and no one takes a blind bit of notice - to us it is just the usual road to wherever we are going.
Thanks that’s very kind, I will take you up on that Lowdrag next time I am passing Le Mans outside of the race week and drop you a PM. s moved them and used it for parking their caravans, so now we have more substantial bollards. The wire netting at Mulsanne and the barriers at Porsche Curves are always like that and no one takes a blind bit of notice - to us it is just the usual road to wherever we are going.Are there quite a few events that take place then other than the obvious races and trackdays?
It is interesting that you should mention the calibre guys that attend the 24 hour bike weekend, as these were the guys that contributed the bottle ban on some of the campsites weren’t they during the 24 hour car race?
They must be lazy
s! It can't that that much effort to move those metal fences, saying that, I dare say over here the s would not only move the fences but try and weigh them in as well 
The drinks ban started about six years back because of the drunken behaviour and many other problems, like bringing a wreck of a car/bike, winding the throttle open and betting on how long until it blew up, finishing with torching the wreck. Also the insane habit of walking around with a chain saw in hand revving it to the max. That's why, incidentally, there are no trees left on a lot of the camping sites; when the 24 hour race was in April they burned the trees to keep warm, so now the ACO provide pallets. However, the french decided, in view of the drinks ban in the supermarkets, to work on the basis of six bikers = one Transit full of beer and camping equipment, so now the ACO search them all and there are strict limits. There are so many events here, so many that it is rare if the wind is in the right direction that I don't hear the noise from the track, be it the driving school, track days, the 24 hour truck race (last weekend), the Bike GP, the 24 hour roller-blading (yes, really), 24 hour team running race, bike race - you name it, we have it. even on the small Maison Blanche circuit the 24 hour 125cc bike race!
The bottle ban at the real 24 hour race came about because of broken glass and the problems that it caused. I mean, I drove to the marshal's post on Saturday morning hwich involves going under Tertre Rouge and by Houx, and the scene of desolation after Friday night madness was appalling with broken glass all over the place. It's also why you get plastic glasses in the bars.
Anyway, if you are coming through drop me a line and we'll meet up for a beer.
The bottle ban at the real 24 hour race came about because of broken glass and the problems that it caused. I mean, I drove to the marshal's post on Saturday morning hwich involves going under Tertre Rouge and by Houx, and the scene of desolation after Friday night madness was appalling with broken glass all over the place. It's also why you get plastic glasses in the bars.
Anyway, if you are coming through drop me a line and we'll meet up for a beer.
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